Partnering Locally to Monitor Changes Toward the Achievement of the SDGs

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are commonly reported nationally but often implemented locally. The common lack of knowledge about changes or monitoring mechanisms at the local level affects the accuracy of national and global reporting. In this context, local multi-stakeholder partnerships offer two critical opportunities: (1) to raise awareness and understanding of sustainability and thus drive implementation efforts through its incorporation into day-to-day actions and activities; and (2) to examine and comprehend how existing and emerging community/individual initiatives contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. This chapter describes the process of developing and establishing a multi-stakeholder partnership in Dundrum, Ireland. It describes the partnership-building mechanisms and efforts, particularly in the context of limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction, and the various roles and tiered responsibilities within the partnership. It then discusses the observed advantages (e.g., increased awareness, shared responsibilities, and opportunities for boosting local SDG implementation and data gathering efforts) and limitations (e.g., the pandemic, digital literacy, and lack of funding support) of the partnership before making recommendations for future similar collaborations. Ongoing communication has been vital in creating the partnership and maintaining its activity. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is central to this, facilitating multiple ways of disseminating, gathering, and exchanging information. Nevertheless, in-person interactions between associated individuals and future collaborators, hindered in this case by the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, would possibly help solidify relationships and connections and thus contribute to sustaining future partnership activity.